You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, at select county tax assessor-collector offices, or through an online renewal if you meet certain conditions
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates driver license offices across the state, and these are the primary locations where you can renew in person. You can also renew at many county tax assessor-collector offices — not all counties offer this service, but most do. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit a location at all, though the in-person route is often faster if you need your license quickly.
The location you choose depends on whether you want to renew online, by mail, or in person, and whether you need a new photo or can use your existing one. Each route has different requirements and different wait times.
Key Takeaways
- DPS driver license offices are open Monday through Friday and some Saturday mornings, and you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website.
- County tax assessor-collector offices can renew your license in many Texas counties, often with shorter wait times than DPS offices.
- You must bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to visit an office, but you must meet specific age and license type requirements.
- Renewal fees vary slightly depending on your license type and whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You
The Texas DPS maintains driver license offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can search for your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your zip code or city name. The search tool shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.
DPS offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations also open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Many offices now display real-time wait times on the DPS website, so you can see how busy an office is before you arrive.
If the office nearest you has a long wait, you may be able to visit a less busy location in a nearby city. Some people find that traveling 20 or 30 minutes to a smaller town office saves them an hour or more in wait time.
Renewing at a County Tax Assessor-Collector Office
Most Texas counties allow you to renew your driver's license at the county tax assessor-collector office instead of going to a DPS office. These offices are often in the county courthouse or a separate county building, and they typically have shorter wait times than DPS offices.
Not every county offers this service, so call your county tax assessor-collector office first to confirm they handle driver license renewals. If they do, you can walk in during their business hours with the same documents you would bring to a DPS office. The fee is the same whether you renew at DPS or at the county office.
County offices are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some may close for lunch. Hours vary widely, so check your county's website or call ahead.
Documents You Need to Bring for In-Person Renewal
When you renew in person, you must bring three types of documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Texas residency.
For proof of Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, you can bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document showing your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days (except for insurance policies and mortgage documents, which can be older).
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you may need additional documents related to your driving record or medical certification.
When You Can Renew Online or by Mail Instead
You do not have to visit an office if you meet certain conditions. Texas allows online renewal for drivers who are between 18 and 84 years old, have a valid Texas license, and do not need a new photo. You can renew online through the DPS website, and the new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also renew by mail if you are 65 or older, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with certain restrictions. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but you avoid the office visit and the wait time.
If you need a new photo because your current license photo is damaged or you want to update it, you must renew in person. You also must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you are renewing after a period of non-renewal.
What to Expect During Your In-Person Visit
When you arrive at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then sit with a clerk who will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your new license arrives.
Bring all your documents in one place so you do not have to search for them when the clerk asks. If any of your documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the clerk will tell you what you need to bring back.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for a standard five-year driver's license renewal is set by Texas law and is the same at all DPS offices and county tax assessor-collector offices. The fee varies depending on your age and license type — for example, a standard license for someone under 65 costs less than a license for someone 65 or older, because the older license is valid for eight years instead of five.
You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices. Some offices may not accept checks, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to renew my driver's license in person?
Most DPS offices and county tax assessor-collector offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some DPS offices now offer optional appointments that let you skip the walk-in line. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available.
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, you can renew an expired license at any DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written test or vision test, so call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you renew, and it is valid for driving right away. Your new plastic license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DPS to report it.
What if I cannot get to an office during business hours?
If you cannot visit an office during the week, check whether your nearest DPS office is open on Saturday mornings — many are. If no office near you has Saturday hours, you can renew online or by mail instead, which does not require an office visit.
Can I renew my license at a DPS office in a different county than where I live?
Yes, you can renew at any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. You still need to bring proof of your current Texas residency, but it does not have to match the county where you are renewing.